Get That Private Backyard Space and More with an L-Shaped Home

 

Design is never static. It grows, adapts, and creates great things each day.

As home styles evolve and demands change from generation to generation, architects are faced with challenges when given the task of constructing a potential dream home for their clients. They have to consider several factors when choosing and designing the ideal house plan for a family. First and foremost are the family’s needs and lifestyle . . . then the budget, property size, shape, and location.

Architects play a major role in specific design and style choices. While most buyers usually have vivid ideas of what they want in a house – their “must-haves” and wish lists – a professional’s advice and suggestions can weigh in heavily in their selection of a style and plan that fits – and suits – their needs and expectations.

Today, architects are more likely to recommend L-shaped plans – a layout that homeowners once overlooked. Now, the L-shaped design is emerging as a fashionable and appropriate option for both city and suburban residential neighborhoods. The “L” is so adaptable that it can be used in large or small properties, and whether they are situated on flat ground, a corner or narrow lot, or a sloped site.    

Aside from its appeal and versatility, the L-shaped plan addresses privacy and noise concerns in crowded areas, landscaping issues, and the construction of big houses on a sloped or narrow lot.

Here’s a closer look at house plans designed in an L-shape, their advantages, and the solutions they provide to a family’s unique needs.

 

Advantages of an L-Shaped House Plan

Why would – should – anyone choose an L-shaped house design?  In addition to the captivating and fascinating possibilities that await the homeowner, there are some distinct advantages and attractive features. Along with these are challenging issues that are “solved” by L-shaped house plans.

1. Wide Open Spaces

An open floor concept creates an inviting, bright, and welcoming space with a breezy feel.

 

2. Indoor-Outdoor Harmony

The layout of the L-shape design lends itself to a seamless continuity of the indoors and outdoors.

 

3. Unlimited Possibilities

A dynamic L-shape design allows the homeowner the potential for development and customization – to personalize the space, do some hard landscaping, and add more amenities such as an infinity pool, a meditation or rock garden, or an outdoor kitchen/entertainment area.

 

4. Breathtaking Views

Whether your home is on an expansive property or in a subdivision with nearby neighbors, an L-shape plan allows you to take advantage of the views along one side of your property.    

 

Problem Solving, Too

Beyond its visual charm, the L-shape plan resolves some problematic factors related to the property’s location and the family’s specific needs.   

• There’s the issue of privacy in crowded areas – or even in grand homes built in properties with tons of acreage. Families can achieve their desired privacy and seclusion from neighbors without erecting a wall around their homes.  Here’s where the L-shape plan comes in handy. It can be used to box off the backyard or the courtyard so that the family is hidden from street view.
• Creating separate physical zones for social spaces and bedrooms also helps with privacy concerns – and tones down the noise coming from loud music, traffic, and other distractions.
• In regions of the country with powerful winds, the L-shape design protects the home by providing shelter against these forces of nature, especially if the right angle of the home is oriented to point into the prevailing wind direction.   

 

Architectural Styles and the L-Shape Look

The beauty of L-shaped plans is that they afford builders, designers, and homeowners the flexibility to work with various architectural styles. Although Ranch style house plans are the most common design to take up the shape, you can go as traditional or as contemporary as you desire in your home. There’s also the option of building a split-level or two-or-more story L-shape design. No one is ever boxed into a particular style or size. People can even construct something totally different from anything seen before.

So if you want to tap the potential of the L-shape, you can’t go wrong with these house plans.

 

Ranch Style

How can a family not love a classic architectural style with clean lines and all the modern amenities?

Today’s Ranch style home, with its sprawling footprint, open floor plan, spacious kitchen ideal for social activities and entertaining, doors that open to big backyards, and plenty of square footage for outdoor living, is the most common and usual style choice for the L-shape design. The charm and popularity of Ranch home plans rest on the styles flexibility and adaptability. You can build Ranch style homes on expansive sites or small lots and custom-design them to add and expand according to a family’s needs.

 

Courtyard Style

For homeowners inclined to have a courtyard area to cultivate lush gardens, install a water feature, or incorporate an outdoor kitchen, the L-shaped design fits perfectly into their plans. This landscaped courtyard area stretching from the “L” to the front or rear of the home becomes a relaxing and calming sight for the family and their friends.

Add large glass-pane windows around the home, and you have the best vantage points for delightful outdoor views.

 

European Style

The L-shape design works not only for boxy Modern homes with stark wood exteriors and flat roofs but also for colorful European designs with brick and stucco exteriors and arched doors and windows.  In fact, these homes, with their hip roofs and dormers, impart a touch of Old World charm to the L-shape plan.

 

Rustic Style

If your preference is the Farmhouse, with its wrap-around porch, or the Rustic style home, with its exposed wood beams, heavy timber, and stone-based columns, you can still make the L-shape layout work for you. Remember that there are no limitations or restrictions to this plan. You can be as creative as your heart desires in building a warm and comfortable home.

 

As you can see, the L-shape design provides many fabulous architectural styles for your dream home.  Now that weve given you a glimpse of the “L’s” versatility, are you ready to embrace it – and perhaps, even love it? Let us know what you think!